Why Legal Advocacy Matters in Environmental Law

Legal advocacy is a powerful force in environmental protection. From crafting legislation to challenging regulatory rollbacks, advocates have used legal tools to shape the direction and strength of environmental policies. This work often intersects with science, public health, and justice, making it a vital area for professionals working across sectors. MSL students, many from government, nonprofit, science, or corporate backgrounds, are uniquely positioned to engage in this space. With a working understanding of key laws and regulatory systems, they can become effective voices for environmental change without needing a JD or passing the bar.

Key Environmental Legislation Shaped by Advocacy

• The Clean Air Act (1970) The Clean Air Act (CAA) regulates air emissions from both stationary and mobile sources. Since its passage, advocacy efforts have helped expand its reach, most notably through Massachusetts v. EPA (2007), which recognized greenhouse gases as pollutants under the Act. This landmark decision allowed the EPA to regulate carbon emissions, further reinforcing the Act’s relevance to climate change.
• The Clean Water Act (1972) The Clean Water Act (CWA) protects U.S. waters from pollution. Legal advocacy has clarified and defended the scope of the law, particularly around the term “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). Lawsuits brought by environmental organizations have helped enforce clean water standards and protect wetlands and tributaries across the country.
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (1970) NEPA requires federal agencies to assess environmental impacts before approving major projects. Legal professionals use NEPA to demand transparency and ensure that public concerns are considered. This has helped halt or revise infrastructure and energy projects with potentially harmful environmental consequences.
• The Endangered Species Act (1973) The Endangered Species Act (ESA) protects vulnerable species and their habitats. Through petitions and litigation, legal advocates have ensured the timely listing of species and the enforcement of habitat protections. These actions have helped preserve biodiversity in the face of increasing environmental threats.

Recent Legal Developments in Environmental Protection

A new generation of legal actions focuses on holding corporations and governments accountable for their contributions to climate change. Cases like Juliana v. United States argue that failing to address climate risks violates constitutional rights. These lawsuits have helped push climate change into the legal and policy spotlight. Environmental law is evolving to address equity. Legal advocacy in this space works to protect communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and climate risks. From urban air quality to access to clean water, these efforts ensure that environmental protection laws are applied fairly and equitably. Litigation is expanding to address issues like plastic pollution and PFAS (“forever chemicals”). At the same time, advocates are pushing agencies like OSHA to strengthen worker protections in industries with environmental hazards. These developments reflect the growing scope of environmental law and the demand for new regulations.

Where MSL Graduates Fit In

The Online MSL in Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law from Lewis & Clark Law School is designed for professionals who want to work at the intersection of law, policy, and the environment without becoming practicing attorneys. MSL graduates are prepared to:

• Interpret environmental protection laws and regulations
• Support environmental compliance and enforcement
• Advocate for sustainable and just policy changes
• Work within legislative, corporate, or nonprofit settings
• Understand and apply statutes such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and National Environmental Management Act
• The flexible, online structure allows working professionals to gain practical legal knowledge from top-ranked faculty, without disrupting their careers.

Program Highlights

• Top-Ranked Environmental Law Program – Lewis & Clark is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report for excellence in environmental law.
• Flexible Online Format – Courses are asynchronous and designed to accommodate working professionals.
• Expert Faculty – Learn from the same renowned professors who teach JD students on campus.
• Career Support – Access to dedicated career services tailored to MSL students and graduates.
• Financial Aid and Tuition Awards – Merit-based and need-based tuition reductions available.

 

Environmental laws and developments do not evolve on their own but are shaped by people who understand the legal system and use it for public good. Whether in legislative offices, environmental organizations, or corporate sustainability teams, professionals trained in environmental law play a key role in protecting the planet. The MSL degree from Lewis & Clark Law School empowers students to be part of that change, equipped with legal insight, professional credibility, and a passion for environmental advocacy. Ready to contribute to environmental legal developments and policy change? Learn more about the Online MSL in Environmental Law at Lewis & Clark and take the next step in your career.